There are your obvious steps, like not feeding coyotes when you see them and making your trash cans inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.

If for some reason you come in close contact with a coyote the DEC suggests you "be aggressive in your behavior - stand tall and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, then make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks and stones."

Of course if you see a coyote exhibiting what the DEC calls "bold behavior" make sure to "Contact your local police department and DEC regional office for assistance." Bold behavior is described as coyotes having "little or no fear of people".